Elaine/USA wrote:hmm, it is now actually 17h45 on 20 dec. Pic is refreshing but time is incorrect?Danie, on africam on the ospreycam? there is snow at this moment IN the Bald Eagles' Nest. LOL Elaine

Dear Elaine

There has been a break in comms again (on telecom company's link) to Orpen. Their technician fixed it during the day and the backlog queue on camera server sometimes causes the delay in time as camera server is trying to catch up with backlog of images it could not send to the website.

It is fine now (I got to an Internet access point at around 22:30 SAST tonight). I received a SMS via cellphone that telecom company fixed the power problem to their repeater site at around 14:00 SAST but I was not close to any Internet link to verify the connection.

Interesting to have snow in one part of the world and nice warm weather in another part! Thanks for the info!

My wife and I had our honeymoon in SA, so it will be areturn trip. We are looking forward to it, and sharing it with our children.

Danie, if you read this, if you could let me know an approximate realistic time driving from JIA to Orpen gate, it would really help.

Dear WaveDave

It will depend on the route you take, the breaks you take on the road, speed on the road, etc. You might encounter some fog on the mountains (Drakensberg) (Belfast/Dullstroom/Lydenburg-area). The distance between JIA and Orpen is about 500km. I would suggest that you reserve at least 6.5-7 hours to get to Orpen gate. I assume you are staying at Orpen itself for the 1st night?

The route is a very scenic route, especially the escarpment so plan ample time to enjoy the scenery on your way to Kruger as well!

SANTIE wrote:Hi!What kind of birds would visit the waterhole at 20:00, and why?

Hi Santie

It is difficult to guess what it was without seeing it. I can guess it might have been a dikkop or as it is known these days a Thick-knee (could have been the Water Thick-knee). They are nocturnal birds. If you a picture of the bird, email it to me at the address attached to this message under email

I didn't save an image as you couldn't see any clear detail. It could've been 2 Water Dikkop, the size is about right and they seem to have a lot of white on their bodies. Another question: Are buffalo territorial? Could the buffalo which were on cam a few minutes ago be the same locals who come to visit every now and then?